STARLA WALTERS

My name is Starla Walters and I am the District Instructional Leader and Professional Development Coordinator for Okmuglee Public Schools.  I am beginning my 37th year at Okmulgee Public Schools.  I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself.

I was born and raised in Guymon, OK in the middle of the Oklahoma Panhandle.  I moved to Madill, OK at the beginning of my High School education.  I graduated from Madill High School in 1979.  From there, I continued my education at East Central University in Ada, OK where I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education.  I interviewed at Okmulgee Public Schools and feel very fortunate to have been offered a job in 1983 as a Business Teacher at Okmulgee High School.

Through the years, and there have been 37 of them, I have taught a wide range of classes.  I began teaching typing, shorthand and office procedures.  In 2016 I moved to the Central Office.  During the time between, I have taught Computer Science, Newspaper/Yearbook, Accounting I & II, Keyboarding, Alternative School Keyboarding, Secretarial Procedures, Financial Literacy, ACT Prep, and Humanities.  I have also served as the Spirit Leader Coordinator, Cheer Coach, and Class Sponsor for many classes.  Last year I was the Academic Advisor for Okmulgee High School.  My current job title is Director of Professional Development.  I also serve as a Certified Executive Assistant to the Superintendent.  Having the opportunity to move to this position has been amazing.  I have had the opportunity to see the world of education through a completely different lens.  I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity in my career.

I met and married my husband, Gene Walters (a proud graduate of OHS Class of 1976) in 1985.  We have two children; a daughter, Tara who graduated from OHS in 2005 and a son, Chris who graduated from OHS in 2008.  Tara married a wonderful man named Chance who graduated from OHS in 2003.  I also have a wonderful grandson, Rickey Chance, who joined our family in 2010 and an amazing granddaughter, Addilynn Grace, that joined our family in August of 2014.

I have spent my entire teaching career at Okmulgee Public Schools and both of my children and my son-in-law are proud and successful graduates of Okmulgee High School.  This is where I have chosen to work, live and raise my family.  I believe in Okmulgee and I believe in Okmulgee Public Schools.